On May 15, 2026, we shared a social media post about the Providence City Council’s failed vote to override rent stabilization.
The override failed after several council members who opposed the ordinance were absent, leaving supporters short of the 10 votes needed to override Mayor Brett Smiley’s veto. The chamber was filled with passionate speeches from pro-stabilization council members, cheers for supporters, and boos for absent council members and naysayers.
The final vote was 9-1, with Jo-Ann Ryan casting the lone no vote, likely on behalf of the absent council members. These coordinated absences appear politically convenient and carefully calculated, especially given the public support for rent stabilization across Providence.
Council members who were absent:
John Goncalves (Ward 1)
Ana Vargas (Ward 7)
James Taylor (Ward 8)
Pedro Espinal (Ward 10)
Oscar Vargas (Ward 15)
* This post summarizes discussions and reporting shared on social media. Our post can be found here.